Yes right next to the M60 review I saw Axiom ads all over the site. I have also seen Axiom ads in the S&V print magazine.

This gives reasonable concern that the reviewer is only allowed to go so far with their comments/ratings to not upset the advertiser.... hence why I pay more attention to the reviewers measurements and repeated subtle statements that the speakers were too bright and boomy which is why he had to deal with placement issues moreso than other speakers he tested.

Good Dr.: I truly appreciate the heads up on some savings (the dog won't care), but it's kinda like driving 3 miles outta my way to save 10 cents per gal of gas. S'not like the saving's gonna get me significantly closer to Revels (or Ravenna).

I took Stereophile for awhile but have not subscribed in the last two years. I did get pretty good at reading between the lines in the reviews to tell whether the reviewer really liked the product or not. Many reviews seemed fairly complementary on the surface, but you could tell by just a few words thrown in here and there that the reviewer did not care that much for the product.

I'm cool with electronics reviews, but I'm just never going to buy speakers without spending a good deal of time with them. If I really like anything at all, the only thing I want to know is its reliability history.

That is something they're just not going to address.It isn't sexy, because it would imply that you're going to keep it a long time and not jump at their next thing. It also isn't sexy for advertisers to get a glowing performance review and then warn you that it's gonna STB in 34 months, like Alan's Oppo.

. . . Some here seem to think Axiom/Revel are on the same level in performance regardless of price which I think is just ridiculous.

Under double-blind listening tests you might not find it so ridiculous. It is often shocking what you discover under blind listening tests (forget Lindsey Lohan).I have auditioned speakers which were much more expensive than the Revel that could not even come close to the sound quality of the Revel . . . These high ridiculy priced speakers were not even as good as the Axiom M80v3.

Measurements show the Revels are a much more linear speaker than the Axioms. This is kind a stupid comparison considering the price difference, and as others here pointed out Harman has more engineering resources and know how than probably anyone in the business. Imagine comparing 0-60 times and skidpad results between my Hyundai Coupe vs a Porsche 9/11. Both are "sports cars" but of much different caliber and price. Imagine trying to apply a Blind test procedure to compare ride quality between those cars? You will wind up with two crashed cars. LOL

One needs NOT do "blind tests" of steaks from Denny's vs a Shula's steak house to appreciate the difference in quality, same with cars….

As long as levels are matched, I think its arrogant presumption to declare preference for one over the other is simply b/c of appearance or brand prestige especially if the listener themselves aren't familiar with the brands in question.